Some of the biggest names in retail – Jeff Banks, Theo Paphitis, Andrew Xeni, and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen – will be among the speakers at Spring Fair, which takes place from 2-5 February 2025 at the NEC.
The flamboyant interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will open the Inspiring Retail Stage on Sunday 2 February with a talk on licensing, art and design. A leading licensor across multiple product categories, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s design company, Llewelyn-Bowen Design will design the new Licensing Lab lounge area with bespoke wallpaper and furnishings. Visitors will be able to use a Networking Lounge for informal discussions, refreshment breaks, and collaborative meetings.
On Monday 3 February, visionary technology and retail entrepreneur Andrew Xeni, will be devoting his day to delivering insights and giving buyers the opportunity to pose questions on everything from scaling sustainability, licensing success and diversification, as well as the future of digital product passports.
After building a successful fashion manufacturing business supplying leading UK high street brands, Andrew went on to create eco-conscious brand Nobody’s Child. Merging both retail and technology, Xeni also founded award-winning retail tech companies Fabacus and Soreto. Join him at 10.30am at the Inspiring Retail Stage, for a lunch and learning session at 12pm at the Licensing Lab, followed at 2pm by a keynote and Q&A session.
Also taking to the Inspiring Retail Stage on Monday at 12.15pm for a Q&A session is fashion legend Jeff Banks, who will be speaking about his 60+ years history in licensing, sharing his dos and don’ts. “Spring Fair is still one of the biggest trade exhibitions in Great Britain and I have spent many a productive and inspiring day at the show over the years – it has been integral to the success of my designer collaborations with brands exhibiting there,” states Jeff.
Since 2018, TV Dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator Theo Paphitis has attended the show, joining forces with Spring and Autumn Fair to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.
“This partnership goes from strength to strength,” says Theo. “Over 60 SMEs, and #SBS Small Business Sunda, winners will have been able to showcase their businesses and find new routes for business growth through this gem of an opportunity, including 2025. I always encourage our 4,000+ small businesses to take advantage of this one and I know that it will deliver even more for them next year, in Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary year. I look forward to seeing those rewards and the avenues of opportunity it brings for the winners in 2025 and beyond.”
Theo will be taking to the Inspiring Retail Stage on Tuesday 4th February at 2.15pm for a talk on Small Businesses, Big Impact: How Independent Retailers Compete with Giants.
The full seminar agenda will be announced shortly at www.springfair.com/stage-programme.
Register at www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.
For more information about Spring Fair and the show’s 75th anniversary celebrations, visit www.springfair.com.
Top: Spring Fair’s Inspiring Retail Stage speakers include, from left to right: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen; Jeff Banks and Theo Paphitis.
